The Latest: Ivey: Unite to "build a brighter future"

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has begun her first full term as governor, promising to help build a foundation for the state's future.

The 74-year-old governor was sworn into office Monday on the steps of the Alabama Capitol.

Ivey used her inauguration speech to talk about coming initiatives in infrastructure and corrections.

She says that if Alabama wants to compete in the 21st century, it must improve infrastructure.

A proposed gas tax for road and bridge construction is expected to be debated by lawmakers this spring.

As lieutenant governor, Ivey automatically became governor in 2017 when Gov. Robert Bentley suddenly resigned.

She won a full term in November after easily defeating Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. Ivey is the state's second female governor and the first Republican to hold the position.

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10:45 a.m.

Alabama's lieutenant governor, attorney general and other statewide office holders have been sworn into office.

The oath of office was administered Monday during inauguration festivities.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall was elected to a first term in November after being appointed nearly two years ago by then-Gov. Robert Bentley.

Marshall began his inauguration speech by asking for a moment of silence for the Birmingham police officer killed over the weekend. Marshall said he will never use the law for political means and said he will "never back down" from enforcing the law

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth said Alabama's best days can be ahead.

With Ainsworth's inauguration, the state has a lieutenant governor for the first time in 21 months.

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10:20 a.m.

Former U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions and four former governors are among those attending inauguration festivities in Montgomery.

Sessions was among the guests seated on the podium at the inauguration ceremony. Former governors Robert Bentley, Bob Riley, Don Siegelman and Jim Folsom, Jr. were also on the podium.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and other statewide officials will take the oath of office Monday morning.

Ivey first became governor 21 months ago when Bentley resigned. Ivey was elected to a full term in November.

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9:10 a.m.

Inauguration festivities are under way in Montgomery for Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and other statewide officials.

Ivey attended a prayer service Monday morning at First Baptist Church in downtown Montgomery.

She and other statewide officials, including Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth and Attorney General Steve Marshall, will take the oath of office on the Alabama Capitol steps.

The swearing-in ceremony begins at 10 a.m.

A parade will follow the inauguration ceremony in downtown Montgomery.

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12 a.m.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey will take the oath of office as she begins her first full term as governor.

The 74-year-old Ivey is the state's second female governor and the first Republican woman elected to the position will be sworn in on Monday.

Ivey was lieutenant governor 21 months ago when she automatically became governor when Gov. Robert Bentley suddenly resigned in the midst of an impeachment investigation partly centered on his relationship with an aide.

She won a term in her own right after defeating Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox in the November election.

Ivey has been in discussions with legislative leaders about a possible gasoline tax increase to fund road and bridge construction, among other possible initiatives.